New York ? Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and chief executive of American Express, is the latest Augusta National Golf Club member to support the inclusion of female members.

Chenault released a statement supporting the campaign by the National Council of Women’s Organizations.

“I believe women should be admitted as members of the Augusta National Golf Club,” Chenault said in the statement, first reported in Wednesday’s New York Times and later confirmed by American Express. “I have made my views known within the club because I believe that is the most effective and appropriate way to bring about a change in membership policy.”

Lloyd Ward, the head of the U.S. Olympic Committee, said Monday he will work aggressively with other club members to admit women.